Turkey is a central global logistic hub, connecting Europe and Asia already since the middle ages and before. But not only is Turkey known for its transport industry, but also for its relevance in producing goods for the world market. In particular, Turkey and China have been gearing up “production and industrial cooperation” – an important element of China’s BRI (Belt and Road Initiative) – for the last few years, which has accelerated recently with the opening up of the “Middle Corridor” (or TCIT) and COSCO’s substantial investments in Kumport Terminal. The emphasis currently is on strengthening advanced technological cooperation and production in Turkey for export abroad, including EU markets. At present, more than 30 Chinese digital companies have investments or partners in Turkey. Huawei boasts a major research and development center in Istanbul – its largest overseas. Another leading Chinese telecom company, ZTE, has become a shareholder of Turkish systems integration provider, Netas, and is introducing 5G technology to Turkey. Chinese mobile phone manufacturers, such as Xiaomi, OPPO, Vivo, and Tecno Mobile, have also established production facilities in Istanbul recently.
Addressing climate change, China is already engaged in cooperation with Turkish firms as regards renewable energy technologies and the manufacture and export of green products. HT Solar Energy, a subsidiary of Chinese state-owned company HT-SAAE, established in 2016, produces solar panels in the Tuzla Free Zone in Istanbul, while also operating a sprawling training school for future Turkish employees in the solar industry. The production of Chinese wind turbines is also gaining greater importance for electricity generation in Turkey. Electricity storage technology is emerging as a key aspect of such Sino-Turkish collaboration and will support greater industrial manufacturing capacity in Turkey.
These are but a few of the strategic industries in which Turkey and China are currently cooperating.

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